An episode of the BBC series A Stitch in Time about a jupon belonging to Edward, the Black Prince, piqued my interest. Quilted armor in one form or another remained in use across Europe throughout the medieval period, at least as far as my limited knowledge goes.

• How were these types of armor made? To what extent would these be mass produced in dedicated workshops (similar to late medieval European plate armor workshops) versus by local tailors or soldiers themselves?

• Were all types made by layering two or more pieces of fabric, and then stuffing the space in between, or were there other variants?

• What do we know about the stuffing process, and material? Was it always fabric, or could other fibrous materials like straw and similar be used?

• How hard was this stuffing? This question really irks me, since I've seen reproductions ranging from very soft indeed (almost like a modern down jacket) to so hard that the garment can stand upright on its own.

• Is there any fundamental difference in quilting techniques or structure depending on whether the garment was a surcoat (and so meant to be worn above metal armor) or a under armor padding?

Your thoughts on any or all of the above are most welcome!

Inspired by the comment on this post.

Previous weeks!

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http://musee.jeannedarc.pagesperso-orange.fr/sword.htm

Here the quote that mentions it.

“According to the Duke of Alençon, Joan's sword was destroyed in Saint Denis, when she lanced it through the back of a prostitute, most probably after the failed attack on Paris. It seems that Joan was in the habit of stiking her sword across the backs of any prostitutes that she would come across; such incidents being reported in Auxerre by Jean Chartier and this page, Louis de Coutes for the stage of Chateau Thierry”

I’m very sorry if I’m just stupid.

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